YVONNE IS SPEECHLESS

THIS IS SOMETHING THAT NEVER HAPPENS TO ME! The doorbell just rang and it was a mailman giving me an envelope from Becky. I thought it was great that she mailed me a few pictures from the campout but it wasn't really necessary since she could just email me some. When I opened the package instead of finding a few pictures there was a hard covered book titled, "YVONNE'S 60TH BIRTHDAY CAMP OUT". I can't believe it. I sat right down to read "my" book. I really don't know what to say. I thank you all again for making my birthday so special. I cried and then looked at the book a second time and cried some more. The book reminds me of all the love I have for my family. You are all so very dear and special. You mean the world to me. I have probably said this before and I am sorry to repeat myself, but I know that if it was not for all of you, I could not lose this weight and get on the path to a healthy lifestyle. Your support and encouragement make all the difference. With your continued help I can lose the weight the doctor recommends and I can even get myself some "skinny jeans". I love my CD too and if I am in the car it is going. You are all the best family, friends, children, grandchildren, nephews, sisters and support team anyone could ever ask for. Thanks again and if there is anything I can do to help you let me know and I will try to repay all of you.
Becky thanks for the book and thanks to everyone to added photos. I LOVE YOU ALL.

TIP OF THE DAY - WEDNESDAY

HAVE A LIGHT SNACK. Eating a heavy meal too close to bedtime can interfere with sleep. To ensure you get plenty of shut eye, try a light snack before bed, but avoid protein-rich and caffeine-containing foods and beverages. I am going to try this tonight. I made some broccoli wheat bread this evening and I had a slice of it so we will see how good this tip works for me.

"TOOTING MY OWN HORN"

I AM NOT COMFORTABLE IN DOING THIS. That being said it has been mentioned by friends at church that I should be prouder of my weight loss and that I should be doing cartwheels. Yeah right. People are starting to notice that I am losing weight, and are asking me how much I have lost now, and how am I doing it. They then go on to tell me how great I look. I try to smile politely and say that I have a lot more to lose but I am feeling good about my start. To some that is not enough.
I am afraid that if I brag and then put on a pound or two as I go on, people will notice and mention that too. I also don't want to brag or be vain. There are enough vain people in this world without me adding to that ugly mix. I also don't want to put the pressure on myself to hurry and lose more weight. It is hard enough with my half pound loss each week to have to stress out about losing more.
Now that I have said all that I will just say that even though I still want to lose 62 more pounds I now have lost about 65 pounds and have gone down 10 dress sizes. I found that out the hard way when I bought some new clothes and now have to return them because they are too big. Yes I know, I was told to go try some on before I bought anything new and I didn't. Yes I know I am a dork.
My point of this post and the rambling on is that WE ALL NEED TO BE PROUD OF OURSELF FOR THE PROGRESS WE HAVE MADE NO MATTER HOW SMALL. As long as we have started the challenge, or come back to it and are trying our best and hardest, we are doing great. Please pat yourself on the back and share your success with others.

TIP OF THE DAY - TUESDAY

THINK POSITIVE. A pessimistic outlook can significantly increase your risk of insomnia. People who focus on the positive tend to sleep better and experience better health in general. This makes sense I guess so everyone go to bed tonight with visions of sugar free sugar plums dancing in your head.

TIP OF THE DAY - MONDAY

KEEP A SLEEP SCHEDULE. Go to bed and get up at the same time every day - including weekends. You'll fall asleep faster and have more energy each day. I know for me I stay up later to do things when Calvin is gone. With Jillian here I get NOTHING done during the day so I think I should stay up and make up for it at night. I still find myself awake and up by 6:00 AM but getting very sleepy between 2 and 3 in the afternoon so I think I will try this and see if it works. Can't hurt.

TIP OF THE DAY - MONDAY

EXERCISE EVERY DAY. Following a consistent exercise program can help you increase your energy levels during the day, improve your mood and regulate your sleeping patterns at night. I don't know if I agree with all this. I walk 6 days a week and still find myself in some real foul moods. Maybe it is just me.

TIP OF THE DAY - SUNDAY

SLEEPING IS JUST AS IMPORTANT TO SURVIVAL AS EATING, DRINKING, AND BREATHING. But for lots of people , getting enough sleep can range from challenging to impossible. This August, we will learn to sleep more soundly and improve your energy levels by using the sparkpeople daily tips. I hope they help you, I know my sleeping habits need lots of help.
Day one: RELIEVE STRESS. people with uncontrolled stress are more prone to insomnia. But exercise, meditation, yoga, and other techniques can help you relax. Do something to relieve stress each day.
Okay let's see if by the end of August we are all sleeping like well behaved, sleeping through the night babies.